Fires Banned from Lochac's Canterbury Faire

Due to an extreme risk of wildfires in the area of Lochac's Canterbury Faire,
the building of campfire and the use of candle lanterns have been banned.
Canterbury Faire will be held February 4-9, 2004 in the Barony of Southron
Gaard near Christchurch, NZ.
Roheisa, Canterbury Faire Steward, writes:

I have just spoken to the Waipara District Fire Warden, Len Smith. Len says
the fire risk at present is EXTREME to the extreme, and he will not permit
us to use candles, candle lanterns, kerosene lanterns or ANY other flame
sources at Canterbury Faire. Even if there is significant rain, this is
unlikely to change.

He will permit gas BBQs ONLY if they are used on the concrete pads (one at
the Mong and one at Tui Shelter at the quiet end of the camp) or on the
sanded area (centre of the camp), or if they are on specially constructed
stone and gravel circles large enough to contain any fire should a BBQ tip
over. The site Wardens will allow such circles to be built, but ONLY if done
in such a way that ALL stone and gravel is later removed (stones in the
mower are a huge fire risk themselves). Building the circle on top of a
tarpaulin or other fabric is recommended.

Primus-style gas lanterns that light a mantle will be permitted, other kinds
will not.

The kitchenette in the training centre and the kitchen at Tui Lodge will be
open for use by any who need them, but the main kitchen will not. Limited
use of the chiller will be allowed (please label all your food and drink),
and there is also a fridge available in Tui Lodge. There are zips and power
points at the training centre kitchen, the Tui Lodge kitchen and Tui
Shelter. Please be considerate of others in your use of these facilities.

SMOKERS ARE ASKED TO TAKE EXTREME CARE AT ALL TIMES AND TO ORGANISE THEIR
OWN ASH TRAYS.

Please be advised that ALL campsites will need to have FILLED FIRE BUCKETS
on hand at all times, preferably one per tent.

The site wardens have asked that our constables strictly monitor the camp
for compliance with the fire ban. Anyone breaching the ban WILL be removed
from site.

Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause, but the Waipara area is
suffering the worst drought in living memory and everything out there is
tinder dry. We are, in fact, fortunate to have been allowed these few
concessions.